Carte Genealogique des Souverains de l’Europe Issus d’Ega, Majordome Pendant le Regne de Dagobert Roi de France

Genealogical Map of the Sovereigns of Europe From Ega, Majordomo During the Reign of Dagobert King of France – Approximate Title Translation

A clever bit of political propaganda that ties many branches of different European monarchies to the semi-mythical line of Dagobert I, King of the Franks. The copperplate-engraved sheet was originally published in Paris as part of Henri Abraham Chatelain’s important Atlas Historique. This monumental seven-volume set was first issued in Amsterdam between 1705 and 1720, but was re-printed in numerous in several subsequent editions until the late 1730s. The scholarly, but approachable, work was aimed at a broad audience, eager for new information during the Age of Enlightenment. The breadth of content offers a nuanced synthesis of geography, cosmography, history, religion, ethnology, and political science. The descriptive text (in French) and skillfully engraved maps, diagrams, and illustrations provide a fascinating window into the world of the early 18th century.